Meet Joyce DePass!

As part of our ongoing series Meet Our GDS Faculty and Staff, we are excited to present: Meet Joyce DePass!

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Joyce.

Primary Roles: Director of Community Relations 
Pronouns: she/her
Years at GDS: 1.5 years 
As Director of Community Relations, Joyce plans our school’s signature events, including Country Market Day and High School Graduation. Two weeks ago, she brought Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day to life on our unified campus. 
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What do you love about GDS?
I love the energy at GDS. The School leadership trusts and encourages staff to approach our work on our own terms. There are lots of opportunities for innovation, self-discovery, and engagement. 

Why do you do your job?
At GDS, I've been able to utilize the lessons and expertise learned from 30+ years in volunteer development, leadership training, community engagement, fundraising, and meeting and event management. It's almost like my entire career prepared me for this one role, and it's a great feeling. 

A favorite part of your job?
I love working with GDS parents and families. They play a major role in the work that we do, and I am grateful for their dedication and support. 

Your work style in three words?
Collaborative. Strategic. Detail-oriented.

A top hope/wish for your students and/or colleagues?
Continued success

Personal passions/hobbies/pastimes?
International travel, photography, painting/sketching, crafts, wine. 

A few favorites…?
I make homemade Jameson Irish Cream Liqueur and my mom's chicken pie. I love coffee table books with lots of photography on travel, animals, and art.   

Tell us about your family or a pet. 
My only children are my two beloved cats. Nairobi, (named after my favorite character from the TV show Money Heist and a bucket-list travel destination) is my four-year-old sweet girl. The baby, Nala, who just turned two, is the crazy kitty climbing the walls and stealing spoons from the sink. Last week, I caught her running down the hall with a long stem rose in her mouth. They are my girls. 

Something you made, created, accomplished you can proudly share?
I'm proud of my iPhone photography, especially from my travels. As a lifelong learner, I would love to take photography classes to get better. 

One thing about yourself your students/colleagues/others probably don't know?
I love to write and would like to write a book one day. 

One thing on your life "bucket list" you've already accomplished?
I'm proud of fulfilling many of my childhood (bucket list) dreams including flying a plane, going on safari, attending the Grammys and the Indy500, celebrity meet and greets, and more. 

One thing on your life “bucket list” you have yet to accomplish?
Take a hot air balloon ride! Also, write a book. 

With a tip from Joyce, we reached out to hear what a colleague had to say...
LS Principal Cami Okubo said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to share caring words about Joyce. During our first meeting, Joyce explained the Run of Show when describing her event-planning successes at Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Urban Land Institute. It was clear that GDS would be extremely fortunate to welcome her to the community. Joyce dedicates time to learning about GDS and thoughtfully plans beautiful, memorable events keeping all participants in mind and heart. Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day was one of many events with Joyce's creative touch. Joyce, we sincerely appreciate you and your team's expertise and attention to detail and are eager for more events that bring people together!